International Student and Scholar Services will host their annual awards ceremony on Dec. 3.
Established in 2017, the ISSS Awards honor the remarkable dedication, exceptional service, and significant contributions made by campus and community members in support of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s international population.
“Illinois’ international community is one of the largest in the country and ensuring the academic success and cultural integration of our international population is a truly collaborative effort,” said Martin McFarlane, ISSS director. “Our office may be called International Student and Scholar Services but we’re far from the only people providing needed services to international student and scholars. Through these awards, we can extend our thanks to those individuals who are demonstrating a fundamental truth about our community—international students and scholars are both wanted and needed here."
Awards are granted in five categories: outstanding campus unit or organization, outstanding community partner or organization, outstanding department contact, outstanding international advocate, and outstanding student organization.
This year’s award recipients are:
Outstanding Campus Unit or Organization: Illinois Scholars at Risk (ISAR)
Since 2022, the Illinois Scholars at Risk (ISAR) program has brought more than 10 at-risk scholars and artists to campus, offering a safe and supportive environment where they can continue their academic and creative work. Through partnerships with the Scholars at Risk Network, IIE-Scholar Rescue Fund, and IIE-Artist Protection Fund, ISAR connects scholars with academic hosts, housing support, English-language resources, and personal guidance throughout their stay. ISAR scholars contribute to the intellectual life of the university through research, lectures, publications, and public engagement. The program’s dedicated committee, along with Program Coordinator Rebecca Barry, provides hands-on support, from airport pickups to ongoing mentorship. Recognized by national partners as one of the most successful programs of its kind, ISAR demonstrates Illinois’ deep commitment to academic freedom, global collaboration, and humanitarian support for scholars facing threats abroad.
Outstanding Community Organization: City of Urbana Public Works Department
The City of Urbana Public Works Department played an instrumental role in improving the New International Student Shuttle Service by ensuring seamless parking access for staff and volunteers during the busy move-in weekend. Their exceptional customer service made a complex new initiative run smoothly. Thanks to Public Works’ proactive support, staff and volunteers could focus on welcoming arriving students and families. Their collaboration not only strengthened community partnerships but also directly improved the university’s ability to provide a positive first experience for new international arrivals.
Outstanding Department Contact: Karen Hernandez Patricio – College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Karen Hernandez Patricio is an exceptional HR Specialist who supports international scholars and employees across more than 40 LAS departments and units. Known for her kindness, clarity, and remarkable responsiveness, Karen guides scholars through complex HR and immigration processes with accuracy, patience, and unwavering professionalism. She not only manages an extraordinary workload with precision, but also anticipates needs, provides timely solutions, trains new HR staff, and steps in to support other units when needed. Her deep knowledge, reliability, and collaborative spirit have made her an invaluable partner and a trusted resource for scholars navigating their employment and immigration journey. Karen truly sets the standard for excellence in departmental support.
Outstanding International Advocate: Jennifer (Jenny) Brown-Rocheleau, Intensive English Institute
Jennifer “Jenny” Brown-Rocheleau is a dedicated IEI instructor whose warmth, creativity, and commitment have made a profound impact on the international community at Illinois. Through her weekly “Chit Chat” sessions, she creates a welcoming environment where participants practice English, explore American culture, and build meaningful connections. Jenny goes far beyond the classroom, supporting students with empathy, encouragement, and thoughtful guidance that helps them gain confidence and feel at home on campus. Her leadership extends to major cultural programs such as Travel Around the World and Taste of Language, where she recruits, prepares, and mentors IEI students with exceptional care. Jenny’s ability to build community and foster intercultural understanding exemplifies the very best of international engagement at Illinois.
Outstanding Student Organization: Bangladeshi Student Association
The Bangladeshi Student Association (BSA) has enriched the Illinois campus through vibrant cultural programming, strong community-building, and meaningful cross-cultural engagement. Their events highlight the depth of Bangladeshi heritage, from food and language to fashion and traditions, while warmly welcoming individuals from all backgrounds to learn and participate. Over the past year, BSA has led well-received Names Training on Bangla names and delivering an outstanding Intercultural Spotlight: Bangladesh featuring cultural presentations, homemade traditional dishes, and an educational fashion show showcasing regional sari styles. Their enthusiastic participation, teamwork, and dedication to cultural sharing have strengthened intercultural understanding across campus and inspired broader student involvement in global engagement.
Congratulations to the 2025 awardees!
For more information about the ISSS Awards and past awardees, visit isss.illinois.edu.